Ports and Shipping

India is strategically located on the world’s leading shipping routes with a coastline of over 7,500 km.

Last updated: December 1, 2021

Maritime transport in India handles 95% of the trade by volume, a key part of the economy.

70%

of India's trade, by value, is handled by shipping.

5.1%

growth rate recorded by India's 12 major ports.

699.55mn

tonnes of cargo handled by major Indian ports in FY19

16th

largest maritime country in the world by capacity.

+200

minor ports around India apart from 12 major ocean ports.

100%

FDI allowed under automatic route in ports and shipping.

US$123bn

to be invested on 415 projects under the Sagarmala Programme.

118

initiatives to boost Indian ports' annual capacity by 100m tonnes.

US$12.3bn

worth 67 projects being implemented by private sector in shipping.

2.5bn tonnes

of total cargo traffic expected in the country by 2024-25.

National Logistics Policy (Draft)

An effective and efficient logistics ecosystem can be a key contributor to robust economic growth in the country, with the potential to facilitate domestic and foreign trade, promote global competitiveness, enhance incomes, drive the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reduce economic disparities across geographies.
Major Ports Authorities Bill (Draft)

A bill to provide for regulation, operation and planning of major ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the boards of major port authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy

The said policy as well as the guidelines shall be applicable to all the Indian shipyards.

The Indian Ports Bill 2018 (draft)

To consolidate and amend the enactments relating to ports to meet the current requirements.
The National Waterways Act 2016

To regulate and develop inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
The Major Port Authorities Bill

The bill aims to guide regulation, operation and planning of Major Ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the Boards of Major Port Authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The Merchant Shipping Bill

The bill aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with the country's obligation under the maritime treaties and International Instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest.

Development of Inland Waterways

Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, 111 inland waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs)in addition to the five existing NWs, across 24 States for utilizing them as an environment friendly and sustainable mode of transport.
The Recycling of Ships Act

An Act to provide for the regulation of recycling of ships by setting certain standards and laying down the statutory mechanism for enforcement of such standards and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Aids to Navigation Bill 2020' to replace the 'Lighthouse Act,1927'

On July 10, the Ministry of Ports and Shipping presented the 'Aids to Navigation Bill' for the collection of inputs from stakeholders. The draft bill accords Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) with the power to take on additional responsibilities including Wreck flagging,Vessel Traffic Service as well the conducting of training.

The Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020

A replacement to the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963, the new Act will bestow autonomy on major ports including Kandla, Mormugao, Cochin, Vishakhapatnam and Mumbai.

Draft Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020

The proposed Draft Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020is expected to replace the existing Coasting Vessels Act, 1838 (Act No. 19 of 1838) and the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (Act No. 44 of 1958).

Guidelines for Floating Structures

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued guidelines for floating structures, with a vision to set up world-class floating infrastructure all along the coastline.

Maritime India Vision 2030

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has formulated the "Maritime India Vision 2030", which has identified 150+ initiatives across ports, shipping and waterways sub-sectors which will propel Indian maritime sector to its next level of growth in the new decade.

Indian Ports Association

011-24369061

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To foster growth and development of all major ports

ICC Shipping Association

+91 22 28510444

Visit Website

To facilitate and grow the Indian coastal shipping trade

Indian National Shipowners Association

+91 - 22 - 2218 2105

Visit Website

INSA is committed to promote the overall development of the industry

Shipyards Association of India

+91 11 22742125

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Association of Shipyards to promote the cause of shipyards for construction and repair of ships, floating crafts and those engaged in ship ancillary industries

Sagarmala Project

011-23714715

Visit Website

To reduce logistics cost for EXIM and domestic trade with minimal infrastructure investment

Ministry of Shipping

investment opportunities

  • Port Construction and Maintenance -100% FDI allowed in port and harbour construction and maintenance.
  • US$20.8bn worth investment opportunities in port and shipping made available with policy amendments.
  • The government has eased restrictions on movement of foreign-registered vessels between Indian ports.
  • Port Connectivity Enhancement - Multi-modal logistics parks coming up across India connecting hinterland.
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key investors

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Maersk Line is expanding its cargo-shipping role in the country

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